Both Saudi Arabia and the United States announced that the conflicting parties in Sudan signed a short-term ceasefire agreement, along with humanitarian arrangements, following a round of negotiations in Jeddah. His Excellency Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan confirmed the Kingdom's commitment to the security and stability of Sudan and its people during the signing of the ceasefire agreement and the humanitarian arrangements between representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The joint statement indicated that the ceasefire would take effect 48 hours after the signing and could be extended with the consent of both parties, the army and the Rapid Support Forces. The statement added that both sides agreed to facilitate the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, restore basic services, and withdraw forces from hospitals and essential public facilities. Additionally, the parties agreed to ensure safe passage for humanitarian aid providers, allowing aid to flow unimpeded from entry points to those in need, as well as the withdrawal of forces from hospitals and essential public facilities.
Furthermore, the statement noted that, unlike previous agreements, the new agreement would be supported by an internationally supported ceasefire monitoring mechanism by Saudi Arabia and the United States. The complete text of the short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements agreement signed in Jeddah can be accessed through an official link.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to refrain from seeking any additional military gains during this period. During the short-term ceasefire, both parties ensure the freedom of movement for civilians across the country and protect them from violence, harassment, recruitment, or any other violations. They commit to the principles and spirit of international humanitarian law and provide the International Committee of the Red Cross with relevant information concerning all detainees and prisoners captured or held as a result of the conflict, enabling them to carry out their work.
As part of the agreement, both parties will establish a committee to monitor and coordinate the short-term ceasefire and humanitarian aid, which will consist of three representatives from each party, facilitated by Saudi Arabia and the United States, along with three representatives from each side. The parties will appoint their representatives and share their names with Saudi Arabia and the United States upon signing this agreement.
The monitoring and coordination committee will maintain regular and direct communication with the leaderships of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, as well as designated points of contact in all coordination activities necessary for implementing the short-term ceasefire and humanitarian aid. The committee will receive communications from the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and active international humanitarian actors working in Sudan, such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the International Red Cross, regarding ceasefire violations or actions that may jeopardize humanitarian assistance.
In the event of any violation, the monitoring committee will determine appropriate measures, which may include, but are not limited to:
1. Notifying the party that committed or was accused of the violation.
2. Publicly identifying the party that committed the violation.
3. Demanding accountability for those responsible for violations, particularly in cases of serious crimes and abuses.
In parallel, the Secretary of State commented on the signing of the agreement via Twitter, urging both parties to adhere to it, adding that the eyes of the world are watching.
In Jeddah, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces signed the first ceasefire since the conflict began. It is past time to silence the guns and allow unhindered humanitarian access. I implore both sides to uphold this agreement — the eyes of the world are watching.
For its part, the Political Forces Alliance in Sudan welcomed the ceasefire agreement and called on both warring parties to respect it. The agreement was signed by Major General Mahjoub Bushra Ahmed Rahma on behalf of the Sudanese army and by Colonel Omar Hamdan Ahmed Hamad on behalf of the Rapid Support Forces.
